Showing papers in "European Journal of Social & Behavioural Sciences in 2020"

The Role and Challenges of Using Digital Tools for COVID-19 Contact Tracing

Abstract: This aim of this study is to understand the role of digital tools used for COVID-19 Contact tracing and the challenges faced during the implementation of such tools. Contact tracing represents a concept adopted by governments around the world to control the spread of COVID-19. Using digital tools in contact tracing is far more effective than mass quarantine, as it addresses challenges tracers face during conventional contact tracing. Using literature review as the research methodology, related literature was retrieved from different databases such as Google Scholar and ProQuest, shortlisted according keywords and phrases and studied for information focused on answering the research questions. The findings revealed that despite the challenges, digital tools remain significant in controlling the spread of COVID-19. Some of the challenges include the inability to reach children and people who do not own smartphones, or lack access to mobile networks and required technology in locations they live in. Another challenge is surveillance creep brought on by the fear of the breach of privacy through the use of such digital tools.

Virtual Leadership in Small Businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Possibilities

Abstract: The Covid19 pandemic has posed new challenges for leaders in both large and small businesses because of the new health measures that has forced people to work remotely to prevent the spread of the virus. This has led to organizations having to be managed virtually which brings with it its own set of challenges, especially for those who are unfamiliar with technology and used to face to face interaction. This is especially so for small businesses trying to remain afloat through resource constraints and a global economy in distress. Organizational leaders would need to have strategies in place to ensure that the productivity levels of employees remain as status quo or improve if that was possible. This research paper focuses on understanding the now very significant concept of virtual leadership in particular for small businesses by sieving through a focused literature review that covers this area of interest, including those that have suggested operating models that the leaders could utilize to invigorate their small businesses in order to subvert the projection by Bloomberg that $2.7 trillion would be the ultimate payout in terms of economic losses as a result of this pandemic.

Teachers Support of Students’ Social-Emotional and Self-Management Skills Using a Solution-Focused Skillful-Class Method

Abstract: Increasing importance is being attached to support students’ learning of social-emotional and self-management skills as they may experience all kinds of difficulties and problems at school. How can teachers support students to learn useful skills to overcome these problems? The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the Skillful-Class method, which teachers can use in their classrooms to support students learn social-emotional and self-management skills in a supportive and collaborative learning environment. A Skillful-Class project was conducted in 22 Finnish and 18 Chinese primary school classes. Data was collected by pre- and post-questionnaires from autumn 2018 – spring 2019. Qualitative data was collected using a post questionnaire with open-ended questions, interviews, and discussions on webpages, which were reviewed by content analysis. There is clear evidence showing that students’ skills improved significantly; further, the relationships among students, teachers, and parents also improved. The students became more supportive of and collaborative with each other. The teachers’ responses also show that their work became easier at school when students learned many social-emotional and self-management skills. Based on these findings, we can conclude that the Skillful-Class method is an effective tool for teachers to help students learn skills. Further, it improves the collaboration among teachers, students, and parents, and builds a supportive and collaborative learning community.

Differences in Student Learning Outcomes that Utilize High Impact Practices

Abstract: This study compares student learning outcomes for 1,500 students enrolled in psychology courses that utilize academic- and cultural-based service-learning and experiential learning (i.e., internships) as primary pedagogical methods. A repeated measures analyses of variance with post hoc Tukey HSD analyses were conducted to measure differences in student learning outcomes from the beginning to the end of the semester for academic-based service-learners (ABSL), cultural-based service-learners (CBSL), and experiential learners (EL). There were significant Group x Time interaction effects. Experiential learners and academic-based service-learners increased their guilt and shame regarding their own Whiteness from the beginning to the end of semester compared to cultural-based service-learners. Cultural-based service-learners also increased their intercultural relationships, civic responsibility, interpersonal engagement, and understanding of diversity content by the end of the semester. ABSL, CBSL, and EL contribute to different student learning outcomes. The alignment between HIPs and student learning outcomes is discussed.

Flipped Learning in a PBL Environment: An Explorative Case Study on Motivation

Abstract: This paper explores and presents some preliminary findings of implementing a flipped learning approach into the Aalborg University Problem-Based Learning environment. An analysis of the learning theoretical framework of the flipped learning approach in a Problem-Based Learning environment is carried out and this points at some structural concerns for motivating the students. Drawing on scaffolding and self-determination theory a new semester structure of a flipped and integrated semester is implemented at a 4th semester BSc program in Medialogy. The experiment, and an explorative case study, were conducted as part of a three-year research project called “Future directions for Problem-Based Learning in a digital age” carried out at Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark. Preliminary findings on the students’ learning experience being part of this new flipped and integrated semester concept are presented and discussed. © 2020 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy.org.uk

The Usage of Social Media Networks as a Tool by Employers to Screen Job Candidates

Abstract: Social Network Sites (SNS) have become an important tool in our daily lives and many organizations nowadays especially in the west are utilizing it as a business tool especially in the context of employers using these SNS to screen job candidates. This is because recruiting a candidate based on their resume and a 10-15 minutes interview does not paint a complete picture of the candidate’s suitability for the job. This recruiting process is also slowly but surely catching up in local context in Malaysia. Thus, this study examines firstly, the usage of SNS as a possible tool by employers to screen job candidates during the recruitment process and secondly, the awareness of potential job candidates/employees on its impact. Utilizing a mixed-methodology approach using descriptive design and interviews, 70 companies and 120 final year students from universities in the Klang Valley in Malaysia participated in the study. The findings show that 61.5% of Malaysian companies view potential candidates’ SNS profiles in order to gain greater knowledge of the candidates and 89.2% of final year students are aware of employers’ ability to screen candidates based on their SNS profiles. The most common reasons for employers to reject candidates based on their SNS profiles are lying about qualifications, postings related to drug consumption and posting of negative remarks or comments against past employers. Prospective employees need to be aware that their behaviour is being monitored through their SNS profiles and the information extracted has a great influence on their job prospects.

Future of the Artificial Intelligence in Daily Health Applications

Abstract: This study explores the future possibilities of artificial intelligence (henceforth AI) and related daily health applications. AI mimics human intelligence though approaches of machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and expert thinking, which enable the use of healthcare data to improve outcomes of care. Leveraging AI in healthcare suggests a better return on investment (ROI) and efficiency than utilizing the skills of clinicians alone. The methodology used was exploratory in nature which hinged on the content analysis and synthesis of a literature review of studies done in this area. The study was driven by two research questions that address the potential benefits of AI and ethical considerations as a significant stumbling block. The results suggest the different types of AI systems are essential in daily healthcare applications which include ML, which requires artificial neural networks, administration, diagnostics, and treatment, and patient engagement and adherence. Focusing on the bigger picture, the application of AI in daily medical procedures will supplement clinicians’ understanding of their patients and improve outcomes of care through information processing.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Treatment for Child Anger Management

Abstract: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), commonly used to treat various mental health problems, focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions and behavior of the patient to address and alter the dysfunctional behavior. CBT is a time-restricted, present-focused technique which educates clients about cognitive and behavioral proficiencies to pursue their interpersonal and intrapersonal lives more adaptively. CBT is also used in children to encourage self-control and address behavioral issues. This paper reports a case study of a nine- year old patient. Using CBT, problematic anger presentation after parental divorce is regulated. The efficiency of CBT is evaluated for this case.

Development of Competencies of Elementary School Pupils Using Educational Robotic Kits

Abstract: The study deals with educational robotic kits and its influence on the pupils key competency development during the educational process. The paper further focuses on the problem-solving competency of the pupils in project-based learning with the use of educational robotic kits. First, the paper describes the introduction to the question of robotic construction kits, as well as the key competencies and project-based learning. Subsequently, it establishes the research question and represents the research methodology and the results as such. Together with the results, it presents a literature review of published research in the given field. On the basis of established data, a particular set of educational and methodical materials for project-based learning was designed. The study itself will benefit teachers using educational robotics during the educational process.

Comparative Analysis of Surveys Focused on Pupils' Attitudes toward the Teaching of Programming in Schools

Abstract: The teaching of programming has been implemented at elementary schools worldwide as early as at the age of six. Even though the subject matter in the teaching of programming is mostly given, the specific form and content of lessons can significantly influence the attitudes of pupils, yet there is no standardized tool for evaluation of pupils attitude toward the course. This study aims to compare and analyze existing attitudes surveys specifically focused on programming while considering limitations of secondary school pupils (ISCED-2). The article is based on theoretical and methodological literature review and a comparative analysis of existing surveys. Current surveys are mostly focused on university students and the questions are far too complex to be understood by pupils at elementary schools, making it necessary to create and validate new attitudes survey purely for the purpose of the topic of programming, that would reflect secondary school pupils limitations. Such a survey could be further used to compare different programming courses and their impact on pupils attitudes. The research serves as a foundation for the development and testing of a new attitudes survey derived from existing ones and specifically modified for secondary school pupils.

Network Peacekeeping in the Construction of Virtual Social Capital

Abstract: In the life of modern man, and of society as a whole, the role of virtual interaction is growing, especially in social networks and virtual communities. In this regard, the problem of virtual social capital construction arises. The paper deals both with the classical concept of “social capital” and the possibility of transferring the phenomenon to network reality. The author considers the approaches of Russian and foreign authors to the legitimacy of this concept usage, as well as of the role of virtual communities as a means of virtual social capital realization. Moreover, the paper presents a novel concept of “network peacekeeping”, which is of extraordinary relevance in modern society of anomie and growing aggression in virtual communications. Network peacekeeping can be implemented using technology such as script implantation. A script is a tool that is implanted into an aggressively destructive network discussion characterized by such markers as: frustration, negativity, depreciation, depression, insults, hostility, threats, trolling, confrontation, chauvinism, discredit, rage, provocation, etc., expressed by the offensive and obscene vocabulary. Verbal aggression reveals the following psychological dominants of network communication: collective fears, resentment, aggression, ideological separatism, and intellectual terrorism. To suppress the aggression growth in the most intense online discussions, a specially developed script is implanted into them – a text with the group agreement potential. The author presents an experiment conducted in three online discussions using such a script. The management of network communications using script implants acts as network peacekeeping that strengthens virtual social capital.

Cadets’ Psychomotor Development as a Prerequisite for their Personal Readiness to Act in Conditions of Uncertainity

Abstract: The problem of psychomotor development of a personality belongs to the category of those problems, that do not become relevant with time; nevertheless, these simply do not lose their relevance. Physical training at the military lyceum should be directed towards the development of professionally important psychomotor abilities of the students. Two series of a psychological experiments were conducted. Indicators of sensorimotor response of the investigated sample and the level of development of locomotor agility in the conditions of temporary and alternative uncertainty were established. The study used two patented devices "DIAGNOST-1 M" and a device for investigating human behaviour under stochastic conditions. The collected and analysed data were used to support the quantitative design adopted for this study. The study revealed that teenagers who attend only physical education classes at school and do not have sufficient physical activity, compared to their more active peers, cadets, are not as fast in the decision-making process, particularly in their reaction to the choice of a moving object. A high level of energy potential is the key to effective psychomotor actions in times of temporary and alternative uncertainty. Conditions of temporal and alternative uncertainty increase the effectiveness of the psychomotor actions of the students. We have shown that physical education classes, conducted in the aesthetic atmosphere of harmony, symmetry, rhythm, at the military lyceum enable the students to better develop their ability to overcome conditions of temporary and alternative uncertainty. Success in solving psychomotor problems depends on the anticorruption, sensory-perceptual and intellectual sphere of the students.

Teachers’ Lived-Experience in a Dual High-stakes Examination System

Abstract: The process of preparing candidates for year-end high-stakes examination is a daunting task for teachers. This paper reports on three teachers’ experience of teaching students to sit for the standardised national English exam and IGCSE English, both from two different curricula. The findings from the qualitative case study revealed that the initial workshops that they had attended did not adequately prepare them to teach the new course. However, after a prolonged period of teaching high-stake exam classes, they overcame the confusion and could differentiate the nuanced differences in the syllabus requirements, test formats and contents. The teachers’ initial experiences showed that they relied on the “takeaway” materials provided during the workshops but became more independent in sourcing for materials that could be used for either or both the courses simultaneously. They also transferred their existing knowledge from one course to the other and focused on what was important to answer exam questions. Their teaching approach and practices were aligned to the high-stakes exams. The findings underline the complexities of teachers’ lived experience in high-stakes exam environment, and how they juggle with both curricula needs. Therefore, guidelines and continuous support should be offered to ensure sustainability of quality teaching experience.